Spy Talk | Which games to target and avoid for NRL Supercoach?

G’day everyone,

Things are really really hotting up in both Supercoach and in the real NRL.

It is a good time to advise everyone to not only check your Supercoach matchups and players, but also check the NRL ladder before each game this weekend because a lot of the clashes from now until finals will really matter.

So don’t just get the Supercoach goggles on, as there are also plenty of real-world ramifications to enjoy.

Fantasy NRL markets have arrived! Alongside our mates at BetBuzz, we’ve designed unique fantasy based markets pitting players together by position every round. Check them out here!

Which teams will handle the pressure, and who will fold?

A question for ourselves in Head 2 Head knockout finals, overall rankings and teams such as Manly, Roosters, Dolphins and others.

Basically, what I’m trying to say is, during the run to the NRL finals, get absorbed in the contest and do Supercoach as well!

It’s the absolute dream combination.

Embed from Getty Images

Games to Targets

At this time of year, it can be important to figure out which clashes throughout the weekend might see plenty of points, and which ones may be low scoring.

So I’ve given each game a ranking and a comment which might help you find a target or two, or even help with sits v starts, which may be the difference between winning and losing:

Penrith v Melbourne – 3

Earlier in the year, these sides put on points galore (30-24), but Penrith are now more like Penrith again.

Furthermore, it will be raining and there is a lot on the line.

Therefore, I see points being much harder to come by and perhaps more off kicks, so Supercoach scoring might be limited for those who rely on attack.

The likes of Cleary and Edwards can still accumulate and score well, but upside of say 110+, whilst possible, will be tougher to find then other weeks.

Munster and Harry Grant can both get to a decent 40-60 with their normal play, and then it’s a matter of whether or not attack follows.

Be wary of all of the above, particularly when picking captains.

Whilst fringe guys generally shouldn’t be in your side this week.

A ranking of 3 on my scale means it could be a battle and see less SC points scored.

Embed from Getty Images

Warriors vs Dragons – 5.5

Looks to be dry in Auckland, but it’s still a NZ night game (8pm there), so I never want to get overly invested in attacking players.

Much like the above, decent scores can still occur, but it’s a long way from ideal conditions, and the Warriors need a big performance in front of their home fans so their defence can be on.

Maybe St George travel poorly on the back of a few big ‘up’ weeks, and some of the NZ boys can capitalise.

RTS may only need a try to get to 90-odd, but I’m sticking with a 5.5

Embed from Getty Images

Roosters v Bulldogs – 6

The weather should have cleared up by then, but both defences should be ready for battle.

Any game with the Dogs involved is generally a concern for players who go against them.

As mentioned a few times, this doesn’t mean they can’t go well (last game saw Tedesco get 70 and Nawaqanitawase score 97), but it’s the kind of game both could struggle to get going if things go that way.

I would not want to play Sammy Walker until next week.

The Chooks themselves haven’t been great this year defensively, but may have turned a corner.

I’m truly unsure of what this game throws up, but it’s certainly not an obvious attack fest on paper.

Fingers crossed it plays out that way, though, as I might be running both of the forementioned players.

Embed from Getty Images

Sharks vs Titans – 8.5

Now we are talking.

The Titans have been ok a few times of late, and could be due for a down game, or they might keep punching.

But regardless, it looks to be pretty dry and is a day game, so this brings about the chance of more points and could be a good game to target.

It is noted that the Sharks, when they are on, can be a tougher wall to crack, so this makes me slightly wary of Titans players, but it still wouldn’t surprise me to see them go well.

Embed from Getty Images

Broncos v Dolphins – 9

It’s a good attacking match this one!

Not much more to add.

I’d be happy to have players in this game.

Just be aware, if the Phins have run out of gas, they have the capability to struggle, especially now Herbie is gone.

The players from their side are going to be a real question mark.

Embed from Getty Images

Eels v Rabbitohs – 7.5

A decent game to target, especially if the rain can stay away.

Both sides are showing some spirit of late, though Souths could struggle on any given week, given their injury crisis.

It’s also noted they would have been very ‘up’ for last week’s match and may not be able to do it again.

Either way, a decent enough game to target.

Embed from Getty Images

Tigers v Sea Eagles – 8.5

Another day game, hopefully dry and a good game to target.

My question here is what kind of performance do we get from both sides?

They are equally capable of turning up on their day and just as capable of being leaky.

The Tigers are more consistent but are still not a top 8 side just yet, whilst Manly can play like a top 4 team or like wooden spooners week to week.

Anything could happen here, but the conditions are conducive to scoring.

Embed from Getty Images

Cowboys v Knights – 8.5

Dry and in Townsville, which is a great track to play footy on.

The Cowboys typically can’t defend, whilst the Knights may have run out of juice after trying their arses off for the first 20-odd rounds and then being decimated with injuries to key men.

If that’s the case, we should see points galore.

The only flipside is that if the Newcastle boys have one more decent performance in them, they can be hard to crack.

It just depends on which version we get, but I like the conditions.

Conclusion 

Thursday and Friday have the capability to be lower scoring, whilst Saturday onwards could really open up.

A big caveat is that this is the NRL where it’s hard to gauge where teams are at week to week, and dead set anything can happen.

It’s a good guide to use when trying to determine which clashes to target.

At the end of the day, always back yourself as weather and matchups don’t always determine everything, but it can put the percentages in your favour.

Cheers,

Spy